Pore-scale CFD simulations of clay mobilization in natural porous media due to fresh water injection

The present work investigates mechanisms of permeability impairment as a result low-salinity fluid injection into brine-saturated porous media containing dispersible clays. We computational dynamics model at the pore-scale to simulate detachment, migration and straining fine particles in media. uses an immersed boundary method motion clay fines fluid. In addition hydrodynamic forces, we Derjaguin-Landau-Verwey-Overbeek forces (DLVO) between grains. Our simulations show impact injected fluid’s salinity velocity on concentration retained grain surface. see dislodging from surface clusters up 12 particles. simulation results also demonstrate clogging narrow pore spaces by detached surfaces.